Y’all, what is happening out there?! At the moment, 8.5 of the cover images in the top 20 “hot” patterns on Ravelry are beige / cream sweaters. (The .5 sweater has stripes, so I didn’t think it should count as a whole beige sweater. And, fear not, one of the other 8 is indeed Ranunculus. 😂)

I swear, no judgement to all our beautiful, neutral-colored sweater fam. Really, whatever crisps your bacon is good with me, but I still think this is a sign that it’s time for a little good-natured manipulation of the algorithm.

Especially when The Garment is already so tantalizingly close to breaking the top 20! Its vibe is understated kooky, which is really hard to pull off, and it’s sort of a beige sweater, even. If you squint.

Who’s with me?! If so, please share your favorite Ravelry patterns that are as far away from Minimalist Beige Sweater as humanly possible. (See earlier threads in this vein for inspiration.)

Sure, sure, I am looking for some chuckles here, but I also have an ulterior motive. The last time I played along with this game, it also opened up a whole world of new-to-me knitting textures. This led me to designers like Olga Buraya-Kefelian whose work is really art masquerading as craft. I cannot exaggerate how much I learned from the wild assortment of patterns this community can pull together when we are looking to engage in a little innocent mischief.

So, whatcha got for me, dear internet strangers? Hopefully, I won’t regret asking for something that makes The Garment look positively mainstream. 😜

EDIT: Well, The Garment has made it a hair’s breadth from the top ten, but we didn’t manage to weird up Hot Right Now nearly as effectively as we have in the past. I see a few designs we are definitely responsible for like Joinery, Hands, and maybe Herding Piggies. But no Desperate Housefrau, Fresh Fruit, Chicken Hat Headpiece, Snow Fooling Ski Mask, or HEYYEYAAEYAAAEYAEYAA. Ah, well. You can’t win ‘em all.

Either way, I really enjoyed seeing what everyone came up with and my favorites list is has an excellent new dose of kookiness now. Thanks so much, all!

One time, I tore off some paper and just stabbed it with my needle BOOM MARKER

Anybody using trash for their projects 😂 tell me your cigarette fueled DIWhy stories

Hi everyone!

I am the one who has been commenting about the melt the ice hat from yarncult and needle & skein. My mom owns needle & skein and the support has been overwhelming.

I just wanted to answer some FAQs because I feel bad that I am not getting back to everyone!!

Where is needle & skein?

- St. Louis Park, Minnesota. A suburb of Minneapolis.

Where can I purchase the pattern?

- ravelry or visit the link on the shop Instagram in the bio

Where are proceeds donated?

- STEP Emergency Assistance for help with rent and lawyers in St. Louis Park. We also plan to work with other businesses to identify where people most need funds. We raised way more than anticipated.

Can I knit a hat and send it for donation?

- absolutely!!

Is there a crochet pattern?

- also on ravelry and the link in Instagram bio

If anyone has any other questions I will do my best to stay on top of it. Your support is so beyond appreciated. Minnesota is hurting but we know that we are not alone.

Thank you thank you thank you 🙏

Hello! I hope this is okay to post. I’m currently writing a pattern for this 1950s blouse I knit last year. I spent a lot of time learning how to grade properly as (size) inclusivity is really important to me.

My idea has been to write the pattern similar to how vintage patterns were written. That is, succinct and with clear language, but in the fashion that a modern intermediate or very ambitious beginner knitter would be able to understand.

I’m paying extra attention to the bust area, making sure to use the upper bust as a way to choose size instead of the full bust and adding bust darts. I read The Knitting Pattern Handbook by McGrath and Walworth and am taking into account all sweater pitfalls (such as incorrect grading of the neckline) mentioned there.

As with vintage knitting patterns it was expected that you could grade a pattern to your own size, making the necessary adjustments. I was thinking to add some advice (perhaps as a supplement) that says in general lines how one would adjust the pattern to their own proportions. I’m thinking things such as how to lengthen the body, how to add darts at the belly or chest when needed etc.

Basically I’m struggling to find a balance between succinctness and accessibility. I don’t like patterns that do a lot of handholding, but at the same time, I do want there to be enough information that will encourage one enough to get through the pattern feeling like a more confident knitter at the end.

My question is, would this be a good/sufficient idea? A well graded knitting pattern with a supplement for additional alterations to avoid bulking up the pattern?

Are there things I’m missing out in terms of inclusivity? I’m also looking into print disability. Also what are aspects a pattern would need for you to consider it inclusive?

Sorry for the barrage of questions! It’s my first ever pattern and I want to try my best to make it as good as it can be. The concern has crippled me a bit the past month, so any advice would be appreciated 🥹

I recieved tonight 2 vintage kofter, whereas one is knitted by my moms grandma in 1967! It looks snug, but it's really not and since it's wool, it'll stretch to fit my stomach better soon. I only have pictures of one atm, as I put the other in the washing machine but still! I feel so honored to recieve such precious gems! Will post the other ones look once it's dried up! I am literally in tears!

Barbara Walker, one of knitting’s greatest minds, died last Sunday.

Barbara invented the SSK (previously the left leaning single decrease was k1-sl1-psso which sits oddly compared to the k2tog)

Barbara also created charts for knitting patterns in the third book of her incredible work, the four volume Treasury of Knitting Patterns. No errors have ever been found in these stitch dictionaries. Many of the stitches recorded were common through history (and she attributed faithfully where there was data) and hundreds were her own designs.

Her book Knitting From the Top helped drive raglan sweater popularity.

After contributing immensely to the knitting canon she pivoted and published books about feminism, atheism, and debunking new age claims. Apparently she was surprised by the revival of knitting in the early oughts and returned to the space to teach and mentor.

(Pic from Pinterest)

I’m a huge sock knitter and have so many cute socks, colorwork, lace, cables, colorful yarn… but I also dress in a pretty plain classic style and wear ankle boots and sneakers most days, which barely show off my socks if at all.

I love the look of a mary jane with a more quirkier style. The german side of me is resistant to socks in sandals but that can be so cute too! Are there any other styles that work well?

Today I had to go and get blood work done. It was a long wait, and ended up being very stressful. I was getting impatient and annoyed even though there was nothing to do but wait.

Across the waiting room a lady was sitting knitting. Her hands caught my eye and I watched her knit. It was so soothing to watch and my shoulders dropped and my heart beat calmed. It was such a balm. So please keep knitting in public. You’ll never know who you’ll calm and soothe.

It also occurred to me today that apart from when I was taught to knit I’ve never watched anyone knit in real life!

I entered 14 items in the Iowa State Fair this year and did better than I ever imagined! I earned the sweepstakes award, best childrens sweater, 4 first place ribbons, 3 second place, 1 third place, and 2 honorable mentions. Next year I'll be aiming for Best in Show.

I work at an office job and there are only 1 or 2 of us. I typically finish my tasks within a few hours. After I’m done, I’ll usually just scroll on my phone while keeping my emails open in case anything comes up. Would it be a crime to knit? I mean if anyone said anything to me, can’t I just say I’m taking my 15?

I’ve seen this question asked before in the past. The general consensus is that most of the time, it’s unprofessional. However, I was always a doodler in school. Some people just focus and work better when multitasking. Can we normalize this?

Hi knitters, I wanted to start a conversation about whether we stop sharing images that include children's faces.

My concern is freely sharing children's images as they are unable to consent, and their image is on the internet in perpetuity. There are a number of other risks that come with sharing images of children and Reddit is inherently a public platform. I understand this is a challenging and uncomfortable topic for many people so I won't go into further detail. My key point is that, to appreciate the beautiful knitting projects we don't need to expose children to these risks by posting their photos in a public place.

Furthermore, many people are already covering faces of people in the sub, adults and children, so for most instances this would not be a change.

I love seeing people's projects, and it's lovely seeing people so happy with their work! Or even giftees with a beautiful gift knit. I don't want to stop those posts at all. I also don't want this to become a witch hunt for users who have done this in the past or in the future.

My proposal would be that we add a sub rule and to FAQs that there are no children's faces in our sub. Pictures would still be allowed of children facing away from the camera or with their face covered e.g. with a "sticker" (in line with what many people are already doing). This would enable us all to keep appreciating the knitting whilst not adding unnecessary risks for the children in the posts.

Thanks for reading!

Please just convince me to buy a winder...

Ive been OBSESSED with this sweater for a while, vintage jcrew, 100% wool and just so gorgeous. However I am very aware that this project will drive me a little if not a lot insane. Would yall do it? Im headed to rhinebeck soon and really dont have many projects I want to make and I have loved this sweater for a while.

Edit to add: it has 16 unique colors lol, this may kill me but i want that goddamn sweater!!!

I haven't looked at the sleeves much for math's sake but the body has 14 squares in each row with 5×5 stitches in each row, if i measure the length across of a sweater I like I can make swatches until i find one that fits that measurement, i haven't done anything self drafted before so I am quite excited!

Ok so...I knit this over 100 pounds ago but I love it (pattern is by Hanna Mann/Dear Ingenue, I think Initiation sweater?).

It is however, ginormous particularly in length. Its past my knees now that theres no belly.

Should I try and felt it? Aunt says no - because the stitches will lose definition and the yoke could not fit.

I could cut horizontally above the bottom color work and knit a new bottom ribbing.

I could steek it and make a big cardi/duster (scary but tempting).

What should I do?

Yarn is berroco lanas light 100% non-superwash wool.

Thank you!!!!!

I bought some absolutely stunning yarn on a holiday in New Zealand. It's a merino/possum/silk blend in gorgeous hand-painted tones of purple, blue and teal. I have been hoarding this yarn in my stash for almost ten years.

A friend was recently going about her day when she was suddenly struck with an agonizing headache and loss of vision in one eye. Many tests later, she has a brain tumor and might not make it to her next birthday.

Life is unpredictable and we don't know how long we have. So last night, I cast on.

Also, fuck cancer.

Hi! My name is Maya, this is my first time posting here.

I'm a knitter working on a tool to help me design my colorwork patterns. One problem is I've always had trouble visualizing how a chart will knit up when it's just in a flat grid on my screen.

So I've built a version that renders the chart as knit fabric - it's definitely a prototype, there's wonkiness with the top and bottom rows of the preview render, but beyond that I'm curious if this feels useful or just gimmicky? Currently it only supports stockinette but that could change.

For colorwork knitters - would this help you, what kind of features do you think are missing from the current available products?

I get we all have our reasons for doing this hobby. I guess mine is that I enjoy the process and I like being able to make stuff that has cool textures or colors. I don’t do it for function or to “make useful objects” per se.

But it seems like a lot of folks have this compulsion to externalize this hobby to feel useful. I’ve seen so many posts where someone “surprises” their sister with some lace shawl for their wedding. And then they’re “devastated” and “in tears” when said sister isn’t overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude.

On the other hand, I’ll see these posts or comments from folks “drowning” in holiday gift knitting projects. For whatever reason, they’ve decided that all 20 members of their extended family need a new chunky weight knitted drink cozy. And so they spend all kinds of time making that happen.

But I have to wonder.. how much of that is self imposed versus an actual expectation placed upon them by friends and family members? Like what if you’re spending all this time knitting 20 drink cozies and people secretly dislike them and plan to never use them, but they’re too nice to say it to your face? It’s just a painful, awkward scenario to imagine.

Idk, maybe I’m being harsh or there’s something I’m missing here because of what motivates me to knit. Maybe because I don’t even like hand knits myself most of the time, I can’t imagine myself being thrilled if someone gave me some object they made.. especially if I never asked for it.

Today's shower thoughts: contemplating a career change. So after shower when I sat in my chair and picked up my knitting, I was struck by sudden curiosity: what do all the knitters do to pay their bills (and yarn)? So, feel free to share if you're so inclined! :D

I work in customer service in a lower level management position.

Edit: Wow SO many answers in so little time! Thanks for answering everyone, it's such a fun time reading all your different professions! And all of us with different backgrounds unite in knitting, awesome!

from an ad for a crafting retreat in the Austrian Alps

Well, I guess it really does happen to the best of us. 😩😭

last week I saw a moth flutter by but had too much else going on to investigate. Friday afternoon I found eggs on a good portion of my stash but no live moths or larvae. Plenty of dead ones in the cabinet and under the basket where I was storing the caked part of my stash though. Immediately quarantined everything into ziplock bags. Now if you live anywhere near Pittsburgh you KNOW it’s been unspeakably hot and humid. So OF COURSE I thought I could just leave this in my car to roast but now the weather has finally decided to cool off.

After an evening of research and calling around to different shops in the region I decided to bake.

Since most of what is affected is already caked I have a problem. They are wound so tight the temp if the yarn itself is only about 80-90* after 45min at 175* (the lowest my oven will go) but I also have an oven thermometer and it took longer for that to read 170* than the oven beeping claimed.

My question to y’all is how long to leave these in for? I used a meat thermometer to take the “internal temp of the cakes” 😂 but it isn’t at the recommended 120* so it looks like it might need up to 2 hours if what I read online is right?

Anyone who has been down this road I beg- please lmk what you did!!

I also have my 2 active projects and all the yarn for that as well as a stash of silk mohair in the freezer. How long would you keep that in? Will freezing even work?

A while ago i knitted a present for two of my close friends for their wedding anniversary. It involved several very elaborate colourwork charts which i designed myself (based on open source inspo pics online) and turned out great. They were ecstatic and adored it.

Recently i've been working on writing the designs into a pattern with the hopes of selling it on ravelry. I approached my friends because I wanted to name the piece something that would honour their marriage in a subtle way and asked them to pick a word or name that meant something to them and their relationship. They went quiet for a bit and said they'd think about it. Then, a few days later, they messaged me and basically said if i wanted to sell the pattern it was my choice but that they would be very disappointed and offended if i did.

From what i can gather, they had two main issues:
1. They felt that the piece was no longer unique if other people were able to make it, and
2. They were not comfortable with the idea of me continuing to profit off something that was a gift

From my perspective on the above points,
1. Many people follow existing patterns for gift knits and it doesn't make it any less meaningful, and
2. The gift was the finished product, not the design

I did also add, perhaps unhelpfully, that i wasn't even doing this for the money as the primary goal. I just felt like i put so much time and effort into the design that it would be a shame if it only gets made once. And i felt that by sharing my pattern it would get more use. I'm not saying it wasn't worthwhile or it was wasted time, i love my friends dearly and it was a very special occasion but i'm also a bit of a min-maxer... so if there was a way to get more utility out of my work then i would always be tempted to do it

I did ask my other friend for whom i designed a top as a gift and sold the pattern after. She said she didn't mind at all and loved that i chose a name based on our inside joke for the pattern! But she also pointed out that it was slightly different since it wasn't for a big and sentimental occasion, and it was a plain top that wasn't as unique as the colourwork charts.

Wanted to get the perspective from other knitters on this.